Kalmbach Bead Soup

We just got back from a 3 week trip visiting friends and family.  I had finished my necklace before we left but didn't get a chance to take the pictures.  Well now I have.  I absolutely LOVE this focal. The colors are marvelous and I chose to make a necklace you could use in at least 10 ways by taking apart each row of beads and repositioning the strand or drape in a different way, or just wear one strand.  This was so fun from all the anticipation in the beginning to see if I would even get one in the mail to the finished project.  I hope you enjoy!  In case you forgot this all happened from Lori Anderson of Bead Soup Blog Party fame.  She put out a book called Bead Soup: 32 Projects Show What Happens When 26 Beaders Swap Their Stash.  Lori told us all about an exciting opportunity being provided by Kalmbach Jewelry Books to sign up and maybe get some bead soup from a retail outlet.

This is the wonderful soup sent from Bunches Of Beads in Lodi, CA. 

This is my finished necklace.  Don't you just LOVE the focal!! I made this necklace with many strands that are detachable so you can wear it in about 10 different ways.  Below are just a few ways.

Here it is with just one strand.  I added the fish from my stash that I got from Antelope Beads, and a few different colored glass beads.

Here I have added 2 strands where I added to the stash some bead caps in silver and a few more colored glass beads.

These are the three strands lined up.  They are all different sizes so you can put a longer one on top and place the shortest to fit right at your neck.  I had so much fun doing this necklace.  I know I am going to LOVE wearing it!  Thanks to Kalmbach books

 Thanks so much to Lori Anderson, Kalmbach Books and Bunches of Beads for this great fun time!!